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Volunteering Opportunities to Celebrate Civil Rights & Community Service

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP Pennsylvania today announced its scheduled events to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. AARP volunteers from across the state will take part in activities that echo the belief of its founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, "To serve, not to be served."

"As we celebrate the historical legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., AARP calls for a rededication to the cause of volunteerism as a way of making our communities stronger today and for future generations," says Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP's Operations Manager in Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh area AARP volunteers helped to coordinate and will attend the breakfast honoring diversity in the community. AARP Pennsylvania is a long-time sponsor of the event which is held at LaRoche, and is highlighted by the presentation of the Spirit of Unity Award to a local student who lives or attends school in the North Hills area of western Pennsylvania.

This year's winner is Christine Mikhael, 18, of O'Hara. Mikhael was selected for her work in the community as an agent of change for racial justice and embodies the ideals of Martin Luther King Jr. Besides AARP, the breakfast committee consists of members from the League of Women Voters, the North Hills Anti-Racism Coalition, North Hills Community Outreach, North Hills-McKnight American Association of University Women, Pittsburgh North People for Peace, Sisters of Divine Providence and the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh Center for Race and Gender Equity.

Please note this is a ticketed event. Tickets are available for purchase at the door, $18 for adults, and $9 for students. Checks can be made payable to the North Hills Anti-Racism Coalition.

AARP Pennsylvania is joining long time community partner, Pinn Memorial Baptist Church for their "Instead of a Day Off, Take a Day On" day of service. The event is held in honor of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s commitment to civic engagement. Along with other community organizations, AARP staff and volunteers from various AARP chapters will serve on this special day to donate, sort, and package personal care items for homeless men, women and homebound seniors throughout the Philadelphia area. AARP will also be on hand to inform participants on important advocacy issues in Pennsylvania that affect 50+ residents. For more information contact Linette Ross at (610) 547-7410 or Gwenetta Fairfax at 215-878-2742.

AARP has 1.8 million members in Pennsylvania. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for Americans 50+ and the world's largest-circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for the 50+ audience; AARP VIVA, a bilingual lifestyle multimedia platform addressing the interests and needs of Hispanic Americans; and national television and radio programming including My Generation and Inside E Street. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.